Sport Briefs
Latest in sport
Short factual notes, written independently by YOURS — not reproductions of anyone else's reporting. For our own analysis of elite performance, see Performance .
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14 Oct, 03:40 · Geopolitics & Security
Three Yandex data centres hit by drone attacks
Three data centres operated by Russian technology company Yandex have been hit by drone attacks between October 8 and 11, disrupting parts of the country's digital infrastructure. The attacks targeted facilities in Sasovo, Kaluga and the Vladimir region. Yandex confirmed that two centres had shut down, while another was partially disabled. The facilities support cloud services and artificial intelligence development, with the Sasovo site housing two of Yandex's AI supercomputers. The attacks mark an expansion of strikes against Russian technology infrastructure, alongside ongoing attacks on energy and military facilities.
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14 Oct, 03:30 · Racing
Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for first Marina Bay victory
Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, securing his first victory at Marina Bay and his 73rd career win. The Red Bull driver finished 7.3 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli taking third place. Verstappen also won Saturday's rain-affected Sprint race, which saw George Russell crash out and the two McLaren drivers collide. Antonelli continues to lead the Drivers' Championship with 340 points, ahead of Russell (238), Hamilton (229) and Verstappen (221). Mercedes leads the Constructors' Championship with 578 points, followed by Ferrari (444).
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14 Oct, 03:20 · Geopolitics & Security
Trump says Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop attacking energy infrastructure
US President Donald Trump announced on October 11 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the announcement and said Ukraine was prepared to stop strikes on Russian energy facilities if Moscow did the same. However, Russia has not confirmed the agreement, and attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have continued. Trump's announcement follows a separate agreement with Russia on October 9 to increase diesel supplies to the US and global markets. Washington temporarily eased sanctions to allow Russian diesel imports, aiming to reduce fuel prices amid disruptions to global energy supplies.
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9 Oct, 07:50 · Business & Markets
Germany raises 2026 growth forecast to 1.3%
The German government has raised its economic growth forecast for 2026 from 0.5% to 1.3%, following a stronger-than-expected recovery in the first half of the year. Growth has been driven mainly by exports and public consumption. German manufacturers benefited from increased international demand and stockpiling of energy-intensive products amid global supply shortages. For 2027, the government expects growth of 1.1%, supported by higher public investment, infrastructure spending and defence expenditure. However, private consumption and business investment are expected to recover more slowly due to high energy prices, financing costs and geopolitical uncertainty. Growth is projected to ease to 0.6% in 2028.
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9 Oct, 07:40 · Geopolitics & Security
Kremlin says Russia favors a long-term settlement over separate deals
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on October 8 that Russia favors a broader, long-term settlement of the war in Ukraine rather than separate agreements on individual issues. Peskov was responding to questions about a reported Indian peace proposal aimed at reducing attacks on energy infrastructure and protecting trade and commercial shipping in the Black Sea. He said the proposals remain on the table, but Russia favors an agreement that would last for decades. In June, the Kremlin confirmed that Russia's conditions for ending the war had not changed since 2024. These include Ukraine withdrawing its troops from four regions claimed by Russia — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — and giving up its plans to join NATO. Ukraine rejects Russia's territorial demands, including claims to areas that Russian forces do not control.
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9 Oct, 07:30 · Racing
Russell faces grid penalty after engine failure in Malaysia
Russell faces a grid penalty following an engine failure at last weekend's race in Malaysia, which forced Mercedes to replace his engine.
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5 Oct, 10:50 · Geopolitics & Security
Iran says Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until U.S. meets seven conditions
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. meets seven conditions contained in the June agreement. The two countries are still negotiating through Qatar, with Washington and Tehran exchanging proposals over the past week.
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5 Oct, 10:40 · Racing
Verstappen wins rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang
Max Verstappen has won the rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, securing his and Red Bull's first victory of the 2026 season. Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium for Ferrari. The race at Sepang was delayed by heavy rain, while George Russell retired late in the race.
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2 Oct, 08:50 · Football
Arab football associations reaffirm support for Infantino
The Union of Arab Football Associations has reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino following a board meeting in Jeddah. The backing comes after the Swiss Football Association withdrew its support for Infantino, citing concerns over FIFA's leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making. The Swiss FA specifically referenced the handling of FIFA Forward Enterprise, the proposed commercial venture that included plans to open FIFA competitions to private investment.
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2 Oct, 08:40 · Geopolitics & Security
USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group deploys towards the Middle East
The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group has deployed from San Diego and is expected to move to the U.S. Central Command area in the Middle East. Two U.S. carrier strike groups, led by the USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush, are currently operating in the region. The Theodore Roosevelt is expected to relieve the George Washington as part of the U.S. Navy's carrier rotation. Separately, Reuters reports that Iran is preparing a broader response if the United States resumes large-scale attacks, with Iranian commanders considering a wider range of targets and geography.
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2 Oct, 08:30 · Markets
U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rises above 5.3%, highest since 2002
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose above 5.3%, reaching its highest level since 2002. The 10-year yield is a key benchmark for borrowing costs across the U.S. economy, influencing corporate debt, mortgages and other long-term financing.
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28 Sept, 09:00 · Markets
Nvidia adds $150 billion to share buyback
Nvidia has added $150 billion to its share-buyback programme, taking its remaining repurchase authorization to $235 billion. The company expects to execute the programme through fiscal 2028.
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28 Sept, 08:00 · Geopolitics & Security
Counter-terrorism police take over investigation near RAF Fairford
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading an investigation after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Gloucestershire Police said officers were called shortly after 12:45 a.m. on Sunday following reports of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers later arrested the five men in the Whelford area, where they remain in custody. A 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles while an Army explosive ordnance disposal unit examined them. Around 85 households were advised to evacuate as a precaution. Police said work was continuing to establish the full nature of the incident and asked the public not to speculate while the investigation remains ongoing.
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27 Sept, 19:00 · Geopolitics & Security
Swiss voters reject stricter neutrality rules
Swiss voters rejected a proposal to impose a stricter interpretation of the country's long-standing neutrality, with 70.15% voting against. The initiative would have restricted cooperation with military alliances such as NATO and largely prohibited sanctions against states at war. Switzerland remains neutral; the vote concerned how that neutrality should be applied. Its neutrality was internationally recognised in 1815.
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27 Sept, 14:00 · Geopolitics & Security
Putin says talks could resume after Duma elections
Vladimir Putin said Moscow had previously indicated that negotiations could resume after the State Duma elections. He said proposals to restart talks remain on the table and are possible, but added that any decision would be based on Russia’s national interests.
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27 Sept, 13:00 · Football
Manchester City contest reported financial ruling
Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League over breaches of its financial rules, according to Reuters, citing The Athletic. No punishment has yet been announced, and the club are expected to appeal. City maintain their innocence and say the confidential proceedings remain ongoing, with significant stages still to be completed.
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27 Sept, 12:00 · Racing
Russell holds off Verstappen to win in Baku
George Russell won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday, resisting a late challenge from Max Verstappen after two Safety Car periods erased his early advantage. Isack Hadjar completed the podium on his return from injury, giving Red Bull second and third. Russell’s third victory of the season reduced his championship deficit to Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli to 66 points. Antonelli recovered from 16th on the grid to finish fifth, while McLaren left without points.
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23 Sept, 23:00 · Football
Atlético rejects Mourinho's referee complaints
Atlético Madrid has publicly rejected criticism from Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho over refereeing decisions in the Madrid derby. The club disputed his account of the officiating in a statement responding to his comments.
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23 Sept, 22:00 · Business & Markets
IMF warns UK and US on spiralling debt costs
The IMF has warned the UK and US to take action on rising debt costs. Managing director Kristalina Georgieva told the BBC that recent economic shocks had pushed debt levels up "like a staircase, not to heaven."
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23 Sept, 21:00 · Geopolitics & Security
Football and Israel shape campaigning in Morocco's election
Candidates in Morocco's election are courting young voters with football-themed slogans, job promises and anti-Israel messaging. The mix reflects how domestic economic concerns and regional politics are both shaping the campaign.
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23 Sept, 20:00 · Racing
Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule confirmed
Formula 1's next round, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, has its full weekend schedule confirmed for the Baku street circuit. Practice, qualifying and the race itself follow the standard three-day format.
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23 Sept, 19:00 · Business & Markets
Ineos suspends UK production over gas prices
Ineos has suspended production at several of its UK plants, with founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe blaming high natural gas prices. The company says gas in the UK now costs around twelve times more than in the US.
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23 Sept, 18:00 · Geopolitics & Security
OpenAI to give Ukraine cyber defence tools
OpenAI has agreed to give Ukraine access to cyber defence tools built on its advanced AI models. The deal places OpenAI's technology directly into Ukraine's wartime cyber-defence effort.
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23 Sept, 17:30 · Markets
Trump filing lists more than 1,000 share trades in July
A new disclosure shows over 1,000 stock trades made for Donald Trump's portfolio in July, including Microsoft stock sold for between $6.5m and $31m, plus positions in Nvidia, Palantir, Tesla and SpaceX, which listed on Nasdaq in June. The White House says the portfolio is run independently by third parties.
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23 Sept, 17:00 · NFL
Bills close gap on Rams in Super Bowl odds
The Buffalo Bills have narrowed the gap on the Los Angeles Rams in this week's Super Bowl LXI odds, while the Chicago Bears have slipped sharply in the same rankings. Win totals and divisional odds have also shifted across the league.
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23 Sept, 16:00 · Business & Markets
Paramount clears legal hurdle for $110bn Warner Bros merger
Paramount has settled a lawsuit brought by several US states, clearing the way for its $110bn merger with Warner Bros. As part of the settlement, the combined company has committed to producing 30 films a year or divesting parts of the business.
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23 Sept, 15:00 · Geopolitics & Security
US to build two military bases in Greenland under Denmark deal
The United States and Denmark have signed a defence agreement allowing the US to build two military bases in Greenland. The deal, signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, also reaffirms Danish sovereignty over the semi-autonomous Arctic territory.
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23 Sept, 14:45 · Geopolitics & Security
South Sudan's president dissolves government ahead of elections
South Sudan's president has dissolved the government ahead of the country's first elections since independence in 2011. The vote has already been postponed twice since then.
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23 Sept, 14:30 · Business & Markets
Burnham warns new EU industry rules would hurt UK
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has warned that proposed new EU industry rules would damage the UK economy. The warning came as the prime minister met the European Commission president on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
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23 Sept, 14:00 · MMA
Borralho accepts high-risk matchup for UFC 334
Ranked middleweight contender Caio Borralho has agreed to a high-risk opponent for UFC 334 rather than wait for a safer matchup. The Brazilian is choosing to stay active as he pushes for a title shot.
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23 Sept, 13:00 · Business & Markets
UK warned over rising debt costs ahead of Budget
The UK faces rising debt costs and a slower growth outlook heading into the Budget. Higher energy prices, linked to Middle East tensions and climate pressures, are cited as a risk to that outlook.
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23 Sept, 12:00 · Boxing
Catterall earns second shot at a world title
Jack Catterall has been named mandatory challenger for a world title fight, four years after losing his first attempt in 2022. The reigning champion has now been ordered to defend the belt against him.
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23 Sept, 11:00 · Endurance
Ngetich sets half-marathon world record in Copenhagen
Kenya's Agnes Ngetich has set a new world record for a women-only half marathon, winning gold at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen. It is the latest marker of the sharp rise in competitive standards across women's distance running.
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23 Sept, 10:00 · Tennis
Zverev beats Shelton to win second Grand Slam
Alexander Zverev has won the US Open, beating Ben Shelton in a four-set final that swung through a second-set tie-break. It is the second Grand Slam singles title of Zverev's career.
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22 Sept, 21:00 · Markets
Record US diesel prices put an export ban on the table
The US national average for diesel passed $6.50 a gallon, a new high, as the Middle East conflict squeezes oil supply. Trump said he would support halting diesel exports, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said officials are weighing a full or partial ban ahead of the 3 November mid-terms.
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22 Sept, 09:30 · Markets
UK borrowing overshoots forecasts in August
UK public sector borrowing reached £18.3bn in August, £3.5bn above official forecasts and almost a fifth up on a year earlier, according to the ONS. Interest on government debt hit £8.8bn, the highest August figure since records began in 1997, adding pressure ahead of the October Budget.